The Carthage Chamber of Commerce hosted the quarterly luncheon on Wednesday at the Lighthouse with a Carthage couple leading a presentation on how to make Carthage a better and more successful place.

Leading in with the theme “the strength of one link in the cable,” Mark and Lori Buresh, with the Professional Development Team, gave some Carthage leaders an opportunity to brainstorm what challenges Carthage faces and how to keep locals satisfied with Carthage business and entertainment.

The Buresh's have lived in Carthage for four years, each bringing experiences from the U.S. Navy and other professional leadership roles as they have decided to make Carthage their home.

“This is the longest we've stayed in one place together,” Lori Buresh told the group, “and we love it here … Now we want it to grow.”

The Buresh's presentation encouraged an idea (which was a metaphor they could relate to) the use of trim tabs. Trim tabs, which are relatively small in the scheme of a larger picture, guide a ship. The message was: a miniscule task can change the course of an entire community.

Discussions were held openly and at individual tables among those gathered. A couple of the challenges Carthage faces that were mentioned were: high property rates and the need for more businesses and restaurants in the city.

For more information on the Professional Development Team, visit www.the-pdt.com, or call 417-621-8072.